Texas A&M’s Eric Hyman to step down as AD

Athletic director Eric Hyman announced he is stepping down on Tuesday.

Hyman will stay on as athletic director under Texas A&M can find a new one.

“I appreciate my time here at Texas A&M University and I am proud of our student-athletes’ achievements both on the field and in the classroom,” Hyman said in a statement. “The best part of an AD’s job is forming wonderful relationships with student-athletes, colleagues, former students and Texas A&M has been no exception. I will always value my time here and the friendships I have made with Aggies. I wish Texas A&M University nothing but continued success.”

The decision leaves even more uncertainty surrounding the Aggies’ football program, as one day earlier Hyman gave a vote of confidence to Texas A&M football coach Kevin Sumlin and his future in College Station, Texas, to DallsNews.com’s Kate Hairpolous.

Hyman was named Texas A&M’s athletic director in June 2012, leading the program into the SEC one month later in July.

Hyman directed the program’s move to redevelop the football field, Kyle Field, which was one of the biggest projects in all of college football. A two-year undertaking, Kyle Field’s 105,512-seat makeover cost $450 million and was completed prior to the 2015 football season.

Hyman spent seven years at South Carolina prior to joining Texas A&M, overseeing the Gamecocks when they won back-to-back national championships in baseball and hiring former football coach Steve Spurrier.

Texas A&M president Michael Young thanked Hyman for his contributions to the university.

“I want to thank Eric for the service he has provided Texas A&M during his time as athletic director,” Young said in the statement. “He has shown a high level of integrity and professionalism in his role as AD and improved both our student-athlete academic and athletic performance through facility improvements, nutritional enhancement through the RC Slocum Nutritional center and preparation for life after college through upgrading the Life Skills program. His relationships and insights within the Southeastern Conference have been extraordinarily helpful to Texas A&M Athletics along with his five-year strategic plan. I fully expect Eric to make a positive impact in whatever endeavor he pursues next.”